Disability Awareness & Inclusion

The City of Valparaiso strives to be a welcoming city where diversity is appreciated and viewed as a strength. The Advisory Human Relations Council was established in 2011 to advance this vision, to advise the mayor on human relations in the city and to suggest opportunities that promote a better understanding of diversity and inclusion in our community.

With this goal, the Disability Awareness and Inclusion Subcommittee was created in 2022. The mission of the Subcommittee is to advance disability awareness, education and inclusion in Valparaiso.

Disability Awareness & Inclusion Subcommittee Members:  Ellen DeMartinis, Jerome Ezell, John Gildein, Donelle Henderlong, Laurie Mullet, Patrick Lyp, Katrina Spence-Smock

View Mayor Murphy's proclamation for March Disability Awareness Month.

Ally Toolkit

The City of Valparaiso's recognition of March Disability Awareness Month is an opportunity to spread awareness and educate our community on disability awareness and inclusion. The Ally Toolkit was created to help us think more carefully about the language we use, the interactions we have, opportunities to advocate and considerations for organizing more accessible events and activities.  

View the Ally Toolkit.  Be an Ally! 

2023 Disability Awareness Month

The Disability Awareness & Inclusion Subcommittee has put together a summary of the City of Valparaiso's March 2023 Disability Awareness Month activities.  View the summary.

Additional Resources and Information

View the Downtown Public Parking Accessibility Guide.

Do you know an organization or resource that should be included in a Valparaiso Disability Resource Directory?  Please fill out the following form and your submission will be reviewed by the Disability Awareness and Inclusion Subcommittee to be included in a future online disability resource directory.

Do you have ideas or suggestions for the Disability Awareness and Inclusion Subcommittee?  Let us know!

Contact us to learn more about the Disability Awareness and Inclusion Subcommittee and its Disability Awareness Month activities: Maggie Clifton, Community Engagement Director, mclifton@valpo.us or 219-462-1161.